From Shared History to a Shared Future: Afghanistan and India’s Partnership for Stability, Democracy, and Development

(Remarks at the Inauguration of the Afghan Parliament Building with Prime Minister Narendra Modi)

Keypoints: 

• Historic Afghanistan–India Friendship – Centuries-old cultural and political ties.
• Democracy & Institutions – Parliament as a symbol of governance and partnership.
• India’s Development Support – Infrastructure, energy (Salma Dam), roads, and capacity building.
• Security Cooperation – Support to Afghan forces, including Mi-35 helicopters.
• Education & Human Capital – Scholarships and investment in Afghan youth.
• Counterterrorism – Rejection of all terrorism and call for regional cooperation.
• Peace with Dignity – Sustainable peace respecting sovereignty and rights.
• Sovereignty & Self-Determination – Afghanistan’s independence is non-negotiable.
• Regional Connectivity & Economy – Afghanistan as a trade and transit hub (Chabahar, corridors).
• Shared Future – Long-term partnership with India for stability and growth.

In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

Your Excellency Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India; Your Excellencies Dr. Abdullah Abdullah, Mr. Danesh, and Karzai Saheb; the Honorable Chief Justice of the Supreme Court; distinguished representatives of the Wolesi Jirga and Meshrano Jirga; esteemed members of the Cabinet; Jihadist leaders; our security and defense figures; sisters and brothers: Peace be upon you and the mercy and blessings of God.

Excellency Modi! You are no stranger to Afghanistan. We call someone a stranger who does not know us, has no affection for us, and is unaware of our pain. You are a steadfast friend of Afghanistan. On behalf of the nation and government of Afghanistan, I express my gratitude for your enduring interest and special attention, and I bid you a warm welcome.

Regardless of who holds the presidency in Afghanistan, the friendship between Afghanistan and India will remain permanent, because the foundation of this bond is built upon the shared interests of two states and the deep, vast affinities of two nations. Our mutual awareness is not new. Which two countries can point to three or four thousand years of shared history? A history that has lasted millennia will endure for millennia more. The Ashoka edicts were in Kandahar and along our roads; Sher Shah Suri, a son of Bihar and a true representative of Afghan thought, laid a foundation in just five years that established a highway used for centuries. If Buddhist pilgrims came to build Bamiyan, the Sufi orders also traveled from Chishti Sharif to Agra. Our movements have always been reciprocal; we have always held mutual credit and trust.

The 19th century was the era when colonial projects separated us. But remember: the first British defeat in Afghanistan sparked the greatest liberation movement in India in 1857, and their second defeat again laid the groundwork for India’s independence movement.

What we have proven together is that we will never submit to force. Indians have always come to our hearts; others who came with ill intent found Afghanistan to be their graveyard. Today, we have new symbols of cooperation: Afghan boys and girls speak of Sachin Tendulkar and Dhoni; our cricket teams daily revive our ancient cultural ties through the modern text of sports.

Furthermore, my generation engaged with global thinkers like Abul Kalam Azad, Gandhi, and Nehru. India’s great success is that, unlike other nations, it made democracy sustainable. I believe India is one of the few countries where no General has ever run for political office—this is a magnificent honor for the Indian nation.

Today, I want to thank you specifically because the construction of this hall is a sign that the world’s largest democracy is shaking hands with the democracy of Afghanistan. As the Chairman of the Meshrano Jirga noted: this is the House of the People. Citizens from every corner of Afghanistan will come here to discuss the future. Speaker Ibrahimi mentioned that the rule of law will be debated here, and in every debate, the representatives will remember that it was India’s assistance that delivered this magnificent palace to the people. On behalf of the nation and its representatives, I thank the great nation and government of India. May your home be prosperous (Kor mo wadan)!

At the same time, I congratulate you on the 90th birthday of India's great hero, Atal Bihari Vajpayee. I know you are traveling directly from Afghanistan to his celebration. On behalf of Karzai Saheb, the representatives, and the nation, please convey our congratulations. Tell him: "Atal Saheb, you are now a hero in our hearts too, and this hall shall be the theater of your heroism!"

India’s assistance to Afghanistan has been comprehensive. If I were to list everything, too much time would pass, so I will mention only a few pillars. For seventy years, we had not succeeded in producing our own electricity. Thanks to India’s help, next year the Afghan-India Friendship Dam (Salma Dam) will begin generating 42 megawatts of power in Chishti Sharif. Our method is that every village along the way to Herat city will benefit. 85% to 95% of people in these five districts will say daily that there is light in their homes, factories, and businesses. This is the mark of friendship, for electricity is itself light. Today, unlike some neighboring cities, Kabul has continuous power because the lines were strung across the Hindu Kush with Indian aid.

Today, India takes another major step in Afghanistan's security. Three M-35 helicopters are being handed over from state to state. The Indian government does not merely talk about security; it proves it is a partner of the state, not a partner of anti-state circles.

Our relationship expands through investment in our human capital. Every Afghan who studied in India is a mutual ambassador. We especially thank you for the 500 scholarships granted today to the families of the fallen heroes of our Army, Police, and Security forces.

The freedom of Afghanistan is no one's gift. It is the product of the blood of Afghan martyrs. I thank our security and defense forces from the bottom of my heart for dismantling the projects of our enemies. This was a difficult year. Our forces sacrificed daily. Why? Because we believe in the future of this soil and patriotism is woven into our fiber.

Our vision is to be the Regional Cooperation Center and the Roundabout of Asia. Our problem is the worn-out perspectives of the past that think we can be a "proxy war" zone or live under the shadow of another state. As long as one Afghan has life, the independence of Afghanistan will be preserved. Our cooperation is based on the total independence and self-determination of Afghanistan, full respect for our Constitution, and partnership with the legitimate, elected National Unity Government. These are principles from which we cannot deviate. The rights of Afghan women are non-negotiable.

Peace is the demand of this nation. We are thirsty for peace, but a dignified, lasting, and principled peace. Peace must not be the mother of death, but the mother of life. This war is a war of terrorists. War must be defined: it involves regional terrorist movements that threaten not just us, but the world. Excellency Prime Minister! We thank you for your constant role in convincing world leaders in international forums of the necessity of supporting Afghanistan.

Those who wage the most brutal war in Afghanistan are not Afghans. We are proud that Afghans have not been, and will not be, exported as terrorists to other nations. We want an end to the export of terrorists to our country. In the 21st century, providing sanctuaries and training suicide bombers should not be part of international dealings. There are no "good" or "bad" terrorists—there are only terrorists.

Finally, regarding the transformation of Afghanistan into the Roundabout of Asia: we sincerely thank India for the Zaranj-Delaram road, built with the sacrifice of Indian engineers. Today, our third-largest customs revenue comes from Zaranj. Our emphasis on the Chabahar project is the next step in this regional cooperation.

Excellency Modi, you mentioned Sher Khan; I wish to mention Tagore. Once, when I was in a remote village in Bengal working for the World Bank, no one believed I was Afghan because we had international passports. They asked if I was truly Afghan. I said yes. They asked if I knew Pashto. Half an hour later, two men from Paktika arrived with turbans like yours. They asked if I knew the villages and tribes. When I told them I knew the Sulimankhel, they were convinced.

Tagore, in his story "Kabuliwala," gave us a sense of dignity and character that represents the true Afghan. In that story, the character accidentally killed someone who wouldn't pay a debt. When the judge asked what happened, the lawyer tried to deflect, but the Afghan said: "No! I am an Afghan and I do not tell lies."

Excellency Prime Minister, in our relations, there will be no lies—only the truth. This truth comes from the heart because we are partners in bringing real peace and stability to this region. Afghanistan has no enmity with anyone; we seek friendship. But we know our friends well and we cherish them.

Thank you for coming and for reviving the Covenant of Friendship in this hall before the representatives and leaders of Afghanistan.

Long live the friendship between Afghanistan and India.

Speech of Prime minister Modi: 

Your Excellency President Ghani

Your Excellency, Chief Executive Dr. Abdulla

Honourable Speaker of Wolesi Jirga and the Chairman of Meshraon Jirga,

Distinguished Members of both Houses

Eight centuries ago, a famous son of Balkh Province, one of the greatest poets in human history, Jalaluddin Rumi, wrote, "Raise your words, not your voice. It is rain that gives flowers, not thunder".

This is the wisdom of this magnificent land and a great nation.

A land where legends are born - of poetry and beauty, of valour and honour, of pride and generosity, of the warmest embrace of friendship and the strongest resistance for freedom.

And, in this century, the great Afghan people have waged an epic struggle of courage and resolve to shape their future with vote and debate, not gun and violence.

A country with an abiding faith in the tradition of Jirga has chosen the path of democracy. And, it has done it against challenges that would have defeated a lesser people.

It is a tribute to the countless, nameless Afghans who laid down their lives and sacrificed their future.

To the leadership of former President Hamid Karzai Saheb, who led the nation with wisdom and determination from the dark days of despair to a future of hope.

To President Ghani and CEO Dr. Abdullah for their vision and statesmanship that can only come from great patriots.

To you, Members of Parliament, for braving violence to take your seat in this House in trust of your people.

Honourable Members,

So, I stand here, on behalf of 1.25 billion friends in India, in admiration for your achievements, in gratitude for your friendship and in solidarity for your future.

And, today, I am humbled and honoured to join President Ghani and all the Members of the Afghan Parliament to dedicate this new abode of democracy to the Afghan nation.

We could not have chosen a more special day than the birthday of one of the tallest leaders of our time, former Prime Minister and Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayeeji. Eleven years ago, he dreamt of this project in partnership with Karzai Saheb.

And, we are deeply touched that you have chosen to name one of the wings in this building the Atal Block.

This Parliament House brings together our two nations through the vision of our leaders, the labour of our people and the stones of our lands.

And, the Atal Block unites us in spirit, because Atal means hero in Pashto and in Hindi it means to be firm. It captures the spirit of Afghanistan and of our friendship.

This Parliament Complex is a small tribute to your progress as a nation and a democracy. And, it will stand as an enduring symbol of the ties of emotions and values, of affection and aspirations that bind us in a special relationship.

Honourable Members,

Our ties are as ancient as history.

Over the mighty Hindu Kush and through the forbidding Khyber Pass, monks, merchants and monarchs have linked us through knowledge, culture, religion, commerce and kingdoms.

In the shifting contours of history, there were times we have been one. There were times we saw wars. But, through the ages, we have always enriched one another.

In the timeless Buddhist symbols of Aynak and Bamian and in the majestic monuments of Delhi, in our culture and art, in language and literature, food and festivals, we see the imprint of our timeless relations.

We owe to ancient Afghanistan the gift of one of the great characters of Mahabharata, Gandhari.

In the achievements of Mauryan Empire or Shershah Suri, we see connectivity that we now aspire to rebuild.

The words of poet Ahmed Shah Durrani may have expressed the longing of an Afghan King in Delhi, I forget the throne of Delhi, when I remember the mountain tops of my Afghan land.

But, in the heart of every Indian and Afghan, there is boundless love for each other. We love each other's culture and cinema, music and poetry, food and festivals. And, now we admire each other's cricket.

We are delighted that the Afghan National Cricket Team has found its home ground near Delhi and is practicing for next year's World Cup. And, I congratulate the Afghan Under 19 team that just beat Zimbabwe in its first home series.

We are just as proud that Afghans see India as a natural destination for education, health or a family home.

Indians remember the support of Afghans for our freedom struggle; the contribution of Khan Abdul Gaffar Khan, revered as Frontier Gandhi; and, the important footnote of that history, when, exactly hundred years ago, the first Indian Government-in-Exile was formed in Kabul by Maharaja Mahendra Pratap and Maulana Barkatullah.

King Amanullah once told the Maharaja that so long as India was not free, Afghanistan was not free in the right sense.

Honourable Members,

This is the spirit of brotherhood between us.

And, when you began a new journey in a new century, we were proud to stand with you and walk with you.

Our partnership has helped rural communities get schools, minor irrigation, health centres, welfare for children and opportunities for women.

Together, we have built roads that have brought regions closer; power transmission lines and power stations that light up Afghan homes; satellite links that bring education, medical advice and communication to Afghan people.

And, we are helping the security forces become more mobile.

The institutions we are establishing together are helping rebuild agriculture and mining in Afghanistan, and make advanced medical care available in Kabul.

Nothing is more important for a nation than its human resources. So, we are pleased that our scholarships and training programmes are empowering Afghan youth with modern education and professional skills; Afghan government with resources to develop their country; and, the Afghan Security Forces with the capacity to secure their nation.

Power and water will flow out of Salma Dam soon. The Stor Palace will again stand as a symbol of your priceless heritage. Our scheme of 1000 scholarships every year for Afghan students in India will continue. We are pleased with the response to our special scholarship scheme in agriculture science.

Today, I announce 500 scholarships for the children of the martyrs of Afghan security forces.

As we have stood with you in our efforts to rebuild your country, you have guarded and protected our people as your own. We have faced daily threats, but we feel secure in your midst.

To every Afghan, who has risked or lost his life so that his Indian guest is safe, I convey the eternal gratefulness of India.

To Indian diplomats, officers, engineers and doctors, who serve here with pride, to the families of our Indian martyrs, I express the gratitude of Indians and Afghans.

There are some who did not want us to be here. There were those who saw sinister designs in our presence here. There are others who were uneasy at the strength of our partnership. Some even tried to discourage us.

But, we are here because you have faith in us. You never doubted the sincerity of our commitment and the strength of our friendship. And, you have seen the fruits of our partnership.

You have judged us by what you see, not what others tell you, including about the mysterious Indian consulates.

You know that India is here to contribute not to compete; to lay the foundations of future, not light the flame of conflict; to rebuild lives, not destroy a nation.

You know, as we do, that Indians and Afghans have always stood for each other, never against another.

You have been at the crossroads of history. And, your history tells us that you will never let yourself become a theatre of competition; or serve the designs of others.

For you live by the creed extolled by poet Kushal Khan Khattak that Nation's honor and nation's fame on life they have a prior claim.

So, with your faith and at your pace, India will continue to build Afghan capacity for governance, security and development, so that you can build a future that Afghans so richly deserve.

We will do this from the responsibility that comes from our friendship. But, we also do this with a commitment to peace and stability in our region.

We know that Afghanistan's success will require the cooperation and support of each of its neighbours. And, all of us in the region - India, Pakistan, Iran and others - must unite, in trust and cooperation, behind this common purpose and in recognition of our common destiny.

When Afghanistan becomes a haven of peace and a hub for the flow of ideas, commerce, energy and investments in the region, we will all prosper together.

That is why we are working to improve your connectivity by land and sea, including through Chahbahar in Iran.

That is why I hope that Pakistan will become a bridge between South Asia and Afghanistan and beyond.

I hope that the day will come soon when energy from Central Asia will power prosperity in our region; when a Kabuliwala can once again come across easily to win Indian hearts; when we in India can relish the wonderful fruits of Afghanistan; when Afghans do not have to pay an enormous price to buy their favourite products from India.

For this has always been the course of this region's history. And, it must be the path to its future.

But, brave and tireless as the Afghans are in defending their nations, Afghanistan will succeed only when terrorism no longer flows across the border; when nurseries and sanctuaries of terrorism are shut; and, their patrons are no longer in business.

Terror and violence cannot be the instrument to shape Afghanistan's future or dictate the choices Afghans make.

For, the fire that is lit in Afghanistan, can never be contained, within these boundaries.

Afghans have the wisdom to seek peace with neighbours, but also the courage to defend their freedom.

And, Afghans of all persuasions must have the right to seek peace among themselves.

Too much blood has flown down Kabul River. Too many tragedies have darkened the mountain slopes. Too many dreams have burnt in the fire of a senseless conflict.

You can be Pushtoons, Uzbeks, Tajiks, Hazaras. You can be Muslims, Hindus and Sikhs.

But, you are proud Afghans who can come together as one nation and one people.

You may have fought in the name of religion; or in the cause of identity.

But, it is now time for Afghans to come together in peace.

As a wise Afghan said, A tree with a bitter seed, Fed with butter and sugar, Will still bear a bitter fruit.

You have a glorious tradition of pluralism and respect for diversity and beliefs.

Those waging war from outside must seek a path to this building and this hall. Those seeking territory through gun must seek power through ballot. Those who have destroyed homes must now rebuild their nation. For, this is your land and these are your people.

And, it must be on your terms, on your genius, through your own process and your own spirit of brotherhood.

Not driven by the calculations or ambitions of others.

And, the future you build in peace and through dialogue must preserve the hard-won progress of the last decade and half. It must have a place for every Afghan. It must have space for everyone's aspiration. And, it must be a nation, where every citizen is secure of her rights and confident about her future.

And, as Afghans take responsibility for their future, the world must stand with them in solidarity and support.

We must do that for the soldier from a foreign land who laid down his life in an Afghan village that he had never heard of and for a people he had never known; and, for the enormous sacrifices that Afghans have made for a life that others take for granted.

We must support Afghanistan without time lines because the new clouds of extremism and terrorism are rising, even as the old ones continue to darken our skies; and, because Afghans are not only fighting for their future, but are standing up for all of us and a safer world.

The world will be a better place when we can experience the real wealth of Afghan people in their diversity and rich heritage.

It is time for all Afghans, everyone in the region and the rest of the world to come together.

The sacrifices must not go in vain.

The flame of hope should not die.

No girl that steps into the world should slip into darkness of denied opportunities.

No son should face the choice of gun or refuge in a distant land.

No mother should fear bringing a child into this world.

No leader should lose a brother because he spoke for Afghan freedom to choose friends.

No one kneeling in prayer in a mosque should be killed in the name of religion.

No elder should look back on his youth wasted in conflict, and see the same future for his grandchild.

Every youth in Afghanistan should see a future in which IT stands for information technology, not international terrorism.

For, the promise and the opportunities of the 21st century belong to Afghan youth as much as anyone else in the world.

For India, this is a deeply held commitment.

Your suffering is our pain.

Your dreams are our duty.

Your strength is our belief.

Your courage is our inspiration.

Above all, your friendship is our honour.

And, as Hindi cinema's most famous Pathan character, Sher Khan in Zanjeer sang, Yaari hai iman mera, Yaar meri zindangi. Friendship is my faith, the friend is my life.

This is the creed of Afghans and Indians.

I am confident that hope will return to your homes, laughter in your schools, life in your streets, prosperity in your cities, unity in your society and, peace in your nation.

And, at every step of your journey, India will be with you.

Thank you. Thank you again for this great honour and privilege.

Thank you.